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What a difference the presence of the manager makes! Or maybe it's just that the Oystermen raise their game against better sides? In any case, after a pretty lacklustre performance against Herne Bay last week, Whitstable were on fire for most of the game against the Gills youth team - no mugs themselves. With Cornhill at right wing and Dolton at left, there was a good balance to the team that has been lacking in recent years. Dom Elmes partnered Vahid up front, and he worked hard and was the standout performer for much of the first half.

Dominic Elmes

Elmes did not give up on any ball

Whether Cornhill will stay in the midfield or move back to the right back position remains to be seen, but he has a cracking shot on him - and it was his whipped free kick that found Vahid's head on 19 minutes and left the Gills keeper rooted to the spot. The dubious goals committee had it down as an own goal, but the consensus of official opinion has now given it to Vahid. No matter, it was a fine set piece.

The Gills are a determined lot, and came close to equalising within minutes. But Whitstable defended well and made several forrays into the Gillingham final third but really failed to test the keeper. Alex Hossick had a combative and impressive outing in the middle of the park - and it's good to see him back. Hopefully he will keep snapping at the heels of opposing players throughout the season. He was partnered by Jake Gess who seems more comfortable in the middle and with the two of them in the centre we have a couple of players who are not afraid to get stuck in. That said, it is to be hoped that Jake will keep his discipline under control this season. As a senior member of the squad, he now needs to lead by example.

Another surprise package is Dan Tanner, who despite seeming to carry a bit of excesive weight, has some real pace about him. And like Jake and Hossie, he's not afraid to get stuck in. This is a quality that the team will need in the forthcoming campaign.

Dan Tanner using his weight...

With Sam Denly taking the captain's armband, and his unrivalled reading of the game, the back line is starting to look strong. Steven Lloyd is not averse to throwing his weight around, and with GS 'Mr Crunch' at left back, it is going to take some brave players to try to break through the back four. Greg Smith is going to have to take some notes from his defensive partners in that regard.

Whitstable went in at half time a goal up and looking good for their lead. But it did not take long for the Gills to equalise. Tanner brought down Brown inside the box five minutes into the second half. Tanner's furious reaction probably should have earned him a yellow but the ref was lenient. He was less lenient with Denly later in the game, presumably booking him for dissent (but I was too far away to tell). Charlie Stimson slotted the pen sweetly into the bottom right hand corner. Nearly every penalty that Fewelly has conceded has gone that way (or is that my imagination?)

The Oystermen did not lie down and die. Rather, they continued to battle sensing that they had a chance for an upset. Elmes continued to chase every ball and found himself some nice spaces.

Vahid looked a little lumbersome at times, but as in previous matches, he showed some fantastic deft skills. One highlight was a neat backheel to Dolton to continue an attack down the left. As the game progressed, both he and Dolton grew in stature.

Whitstable also threatened from corners and set pieces with a number of good headers of the ball willing targets. Both Dan Tanner and Sam Denly got on a few and cannot really be criticised for not doing better.

It was from one header that Vahid latched onto the rebound, stretch athletically high up and toe-poke the ball past Quinn on 55 minutes.

The goal came after Cornhill had sent two pile-drivers at Quinn who made two superb stops to deny him. Whitstable were again in front, and it has to be said, not really against the run of play even if the Gills were a bit more adventurous in their attacking play. Fortunately, Hossie and Gess managed to keep the middle of the park relatively quiet which meant that the Gills had to rely on wing play, much of which was mopped up by some strong defending. Where Whitstable looked a little vulnerable was when Gillingham had the ball about 25-30 yards from goal in a central area: it was here that Whitstable seemed unsure about what they should do, whether to close down, block or clear their lines.

But it was some neat work down the right followed by a pin-point pass to an unmarked Stimson on the left post on 61 minutes that levelled the game at 2-2. In retrospect, it was probably loose marking by Smith that allowed the Gillingham player in. Again, the goal was probably deserved on the balance of play at that stage.

Gillingham took the lead for the first time on 75 minutes when Fisher netted the rebound from a goal-line clearance. In times gone by, that might have been that, but two things were notable: first, Munday had made some substitutions, and it seemed that all the substitutes were keen to impress, to fight for their shirt. Perhaps they sense that players will be picked on merit this season for a change! Second, Sam Denly pumped up his chest and directed his players to keep their heads up. And both factors combined for Whitstable's equaliser as Dolton whipped in a sweet low cross from the byline which found substitute Gooding in space. He fired home with aplomb to level the scores.

And that was that for full time, and for the second cup in succession, the game had to be decided on penalties. McVicker, who had come on for Fewell, was called upon yet again for the dreaded shoot-out. Vahid scored Whitstable's first, and after an excellent penalty against Herne Bay, it was only natural that GS should step up to the mark - but he blasted the ball as hard and high as Stuart Pearce. It may well have pierced the net - the net behind the stand. I know not. He will pick himself up, I'm sure.

The Gills players scored all of theirs to win the shoot out 5-3 and to take the krbs cup.

A good crowd of 648 saw some entertaining football last night and all could go home feeling good. Whitstable should not be too disheartened, because this was a very good performance all round - and if we continue to play like that, we might well go places this season.

Congratulations to Gillingham. My Oysterman of the match: Dan Dolton.